Circuit-interrupter mechanism



Dec. 21 1926.

E. K. READ CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANI SM.

Filed June 4, 1923 -4 Sheets-Sheet L..2..... .1T-T

INVENTOR fmesf A. Read ATTORNEY gig-N25551: M;.W

Dec. 21 1926.

' E. READ CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM INVENTOR [rnesf ff. Read 4Sheets-Sheet 2 "llillt Filed June 4.

ATTORNEY E. K. READ CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER MECHANISM Dec. 21 1926.

Filed June 4, 1923 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 lll II I INVENTOR fr/vesf/x. Read 1/TTOYQNEY Patented Dec. 21, 1926.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ERNEST K. READ, OF EAST PITTSBURGH, FENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTING-HOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING CUIXEIANY, A. CORPORATION OF PENNSYL-VANIA.

CIRCUIT-INTERRUPTER ME6E-IANISM.

Application filed June 4,

My invention relates to circuit interrupters and more particularly tooperating mechanisms therefor that are actuated by a member common toseveral circuit interrupters.

One object of my invention is to provide a plurality of circuitinterrupters with a common actuating member, each of the circuitinterrupters being provided with a mechanism for selectively engaging ordis engaging such common member.

Another object of my invention is to provide a plurality of circuitinterruptcrs with a common shaft to which any one or all of the circuitinterrupters may be connected.

A further object of my invention is to provide a circuit interrupterwith certain mechanical and electrical details for selective connectionon to, or disconnection from, a driving mei iber.

The circuit interrupter shown in my invention is particularly adaptedfor use in connection with the circuit-interrupter system shown anddescribed in the application of A. J. A. Peterson. Serial No. 681,785,filed Dec. 20, 1923, and which is assigned to the Westinghouse Electricand Manufacturing Company.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a front elevational view of a three-pole circuit interrupterembodying my invention,

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary side elevational view thereof,

Fig. 3 is a viev, partially in perspective and partially in section. ofthe controlling mechanism in its operative position when the circuitinterrupter is in closed position.

Fig. 1 is a similar view of the controlling mechanism when the circuitinterrupter is in open position and the controlling mechauism is aboutto close the circuit interrupter, and,

5 is a similar view of the controlling mechanism when the circuitinterrupter is locked in open position.

In the several figures of the drawings similar reference charactersindicate like parts.

Figs. 1 an'dEZ I haveshown a'plurality of dined circuit interruptersland their associated signal switches 52. lVh'ile I have shown threecircuit interrupters for controlling a threaphase electrical circuit, itis to 1923. Serial No. 643,149.

be understood that my invention is applicable to any number of alinedcircuit interrupters or to any polyphasc circuit. These features may beof any preferred construction as they form no part of the present invention.

A controlling mechanism 3 is associated with each circuit interrupter 1,and is actuated from a shaft 1 which extends adiacent to, and is commonto, all the alined circuit interrupters 1. Shaft 1- is secured injuxtaposition to the circuit interrupters 1 by a series of brackets 5that are bolted to a frame 6. A pair of electromagnets 7 and 8 aresecured beneath the frame 6 for each circuit interrupter 1, theelectromagnet 7 being placed in front of the electromagnet 8. Eachelectromagnet comprises a'core memher 9 of inverted U-shape and apivoted ari ature 11 having a projecting portion 12 that is adapted tocomplete the magnetic circuitthrough the core member 9 upon the energization of the electromagnet. A

As is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. the shaft 1 is given a rocking motion bymeans of a lever 13 clamped thereto and a linkage mech anism 1 1actuated from any source of power (not shown). Clamped to the shaft 1 inahnement with each circuit interrupter 1, is a curved driving cam 15which extends outwardly from, and parallel to, the shaft l. The lev r 13and the cam 15 may be formed as a unit, if desired. As shown in Fig. 2,a lever 16 having a link 17 connected to the signal switch. 2, ispivoted on the frame 6, for co-operation with a link mechanism 18 whichterminates in a rod 19. Rod 19 is actuated by the mechanism 3 to openand close the associated circuit interrupter 1, in a manner hereinaftermore fully described.

Rod 19 is pivotally attached to an arm of a hell crank 21 which isloosely mounted on the shaft 41, the other arm of which car ries aroller 22 and is provided with a cam face 23.

A second bell crank is loosely mounted on the shaft 4, one arm beingprovided with a face 25 for engagement with the driving cam 15. As isshown in'Fig. 5, the other arm of the crank 24 terminates in a hardenedsteel insert 26 and an enlarged hearing surface 27 forthe attachment ofparts hereinafter described. It is to be observed that the bell crank,:21 is mounted on shaft st between the driving cam and the crank 24. Aspring 28 is secured between the .trame 6 and the crank 2a to balancethe latter in a counter-clockwise direction in order to normally keepthe cam 15 and face in co-operative relation.

A lever 31 which is pivotec to the bracket 5, :32, terminates in a face33 which is adapted for engagement with the cam 23 on the crank 21.Mid-way of the length of lever 31, there is mounted a roller 3a whichadapted to engage the insert 26 on the crank 24. A coiled spring whichis carried on the under surface of the frame 6, bears against the lever31. By reference to Figs. 3, and it will be observed that over-trave ofthe lever 81 is prevented by reason of the tact that it is always inengagement with one or both of the cranks 21 and v Bearing 27 on thecrank 23% carries a latch 6, pivoted as at 3?, and which is biased incounterclockwise direction by the spring Latch 36 is provided with anenlarged .il-piece S9 for enga ement with the hill 2 of eitherelectromagnet 7 or 8.

As shown in Fig. 5, in the open position of the circuit interrupter,crank 24 is kept in engagement with the driving cam 15 by the tension inthe spring 28, and the shaft st, to which any number oi riving cams 15may be attached, may be given a rocking movement tor an indefinite perid. Accordingly, the cranks 2 a of all the open circuit interrupters arerocking or oscillating with the shaft 4-.

Assuming the circuit interrupter is in the open position shown in Fig.5, it can not be closed as long as the electromagnet 7 remains in anenergized condition, as the projection 12 or" the energizedelectromagnet 7 engages the tail-piece 39 of the latch 36 therebypreventing engagement between the latch and the roller 22 when theyapproach during the rocking movement of the crank 24-.

After de-energization ot the electromagnet 7, the latch 36 engages theroller 22 upon the next forward movement of the crank 2 as is shown inFig. 0n the reverse movement of the cranlt 2st, or the upward move mentof the cam 15, thecranh 21 is drawn to the closed pos'tion of thecircuit interrupter, shown in Fig. 3. During the closing movement of thecruel: 21, rod 19 actuates the link mechanism 18, the operating lever160i the circuit interruoter, and the s gnal switch 2 to their closedpositions. At the end of the reverse stroke of the crank 2%, roller 3%drops behind the insert 26 and holds the crank 2% in closed position.

It is to be observed that, in the closed position of the circuitinterrupter, the associated operating mechanism is out of operativeengagement with the shaft it.

on c: o:

In order to open the circuit interrupter, the clectromagnet 8 isenergized, whereupon associated projection 12 engages the tailpiece 39of the latch 36 to cause the latter to turn about the pivot 37, whichoperation releases the roller 22 from engagement therewith. The crankarm 21 returns to its forward position under the influence ot the forceof gravity acting upon rod 19 and the mechanism 18 attached thereto.When the rank 21 nears the end of its forward stroke, the cam 23 engagesthe surface 33 of the lever 31 whereby the latter is given a clockwisemovement a out its pivot point This turning movement is sufiicient to release the insert 26 from under the roller 34, whereupon the crank 24moves into its forward position by reason of the tension in the spring28. So long as the crank 21 remains in its forward position, roller 3%is held out of engagement with the insert on the oscillating crank 24:by reason ot the engagement between the cam 23 and the surface 88 oi thelever 31. i

It will accordingly be seen that 1 Ave provided a circuit-interrupterinecha; .sm

which permits the selective engagement or disengagement of any one orall of a p urality ot circuit interrupters with a COL: men c rivingmember. l have also provided suitable electrical and mechanicaloperating details for accomplishing this result. L

While I have shown and described inv invention in its preferred form, itis apparent that modifications may be made in the arrangement ot themechanism for controlling the positions of the circuit i; ruptcrswithout departing from the spirit or" my invention. I desire, therefore,to be limited only to the scope of the appended claims.

I claim. as my invention:

1. in combination, an osciilatahle shaft. a plurality of circuiinterrupteis, a plural ity of members loosely mounted on d shaft, andmeans for selectively and in-dc pendently controlling the connectionhetw-een said shaft and said circuit i11ii01'lUl)t ers through saidmembers. A

2. In combination, on oscil atable sl 2. a circuit interrupter, aplurality loosely mounted on said shatt, and electro responsive meansfor select rely controlling the connection between said shaft and saidcircuit interrupter through s' 3. In combination. o. l circuitinterrupter, a plui loosely mounted on sa d shaft responsive means com lnet for selectively controlling tee CUH'EMH between said shaft and saidcircuit inter rupter through said members.

4.. In combination, an oscillita circuit interrupter, plura i J looselymount-ed on said shaft, an i a pair ct electromagnets for selectivelycontrolling the connection between said shaft and said circuitinterrupter through said members.

5. In a circuit interrupter structure, an oscillatable shaft, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, a driving connectionbetween said shaft and one of said cranks, an operating connectionbetween one of said cranks and a circuit interrupter, and means carriedby the first of said cranks for engaging the second of said cranks.

c. In a circuit interrupter structure, an oscillatable shaft, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, a driving connectionbetween said shaft and one of said cranks, an operating connectionbetween one of said cranks and a circuit interrupter, and meanscomprising a latch carried by the first of said cranks for engaging thesecond of said cranks.

7. In a circuit interrupter structure, an oscillatable shaft, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, a driving conmotionbetween said shaft and one of said cranks, an operating connectionbetween one of said cranks and a circuit interrupter and meanscomprising an electrically controlled latch carried by the first of saidcranks for engaging the second of said cranks.

8. In a circuit interrupter structure, an oscillatable shaft, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, 1 driving connectionbetween said shaft and one of said cranks, an operating connectionbetween one of said cranks and a circuit interrupter, and means carriedby one of said cranks for engaging another of said cranks.

9. In a circuit interrupter structure, an oscillatable shaft, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, a driving connectionbetween said shaft and one of said cranks, an operating connectionbetween one of said cranks and a circuit interrupter, andelectroresponsive means for controlling the engagement between saidcranks.

10. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks mounted on said shaft, means mounted on said shaftfor driving one of said. cranks, and men is for connecting said crankswhereby the driven crank is held from co-operative relation with saidshaft when said circuit interrupter is in closed position.

11. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, and means normally oiasing saidcrank into engagement with said actuating means,

12. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter,plurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto engagement with said actuating means and means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of operative engagement with said shaft when said circuitinterrupter is in closed position.

18. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto engagement with said actuating means, means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of operative engagement with said shaft when said circuitinterrupter is in closed position, and means for controlling saidholding means.

14. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto en gagement With said actuating means, means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of oper tive engagement with said shaft when said circuitinterrupter is in closed position, and means comprising an electromagnetfor controlling said holding means.

15. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto engagement with said actuating means, means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of operative engagement with said shaft when said circuitinterrupter is in closed position, and means comprising a second crankfor controlling said holding means.

16. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto engagement with said actuating means, means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of operative engagement with said shaft when said circuitinterrupter is in closed position, and means comprising a second crankand an electromagnet for controlling said holding means.

17. In combination, an oscillatory shaft, a circuit interrupter, aplurality of cranks loosely mounted on said shaft, means for actuatingone of said cranks from said shaft, means normally biasing said crankinto engagement with said actuating means, means adapted for holdingsaid crank out of opera tive engagement with said shaft when saidcircuit interrupter is in closed position, and means comprising a secondcrank for coir trolling said holding means, said second named crankhaving operative connection to said circuit interrupter.

In testimony whereof, I. have hereunto subscribed my name this 26th dayof May, 1923.

ERNEST K. READ.

